Among the characteristics of poverty are influenced by geographical and institutional factors. The scientists have in their views on the determinants of poverty. Jeffrey Sach explained that poverty was caused by geographical conditions.

This research aims to compare geography and institutions on poverty in Riau Province using quantitative methods. The research data was obtained from basic data (raw data) from the results of a survey of village potential from BAPPENAS. The data from PODES survey is the village potential which is begun in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2018. This research method used panel data analysis.

Based on the results of the estimation model selection test, the correct model was fixed effect. Significant geographical factors on the number of poor people each village were the distance from the village office to the district office, hospital distance, polyclinic distance, and health center distance. Geographic factors are more dominant than education  factors because the variables that exist in geography factors have more significant  influence on poverty levels compared to education factors.

Keywords: Poverty, Geography, Village Potential Statistics, Riau